THE MESSAGE2.9.18

Check out the exciting things happening around the district!

Lorri Lewis

Southfield Public Schools February Teacher of the Month

Southfield Public Schools is excited to announce Lorri Lewis as the February 2018 Teacher of the Month. Lewis is a 12th-grade AP English teacher, a leadership training teacher and student council adviser at University High School Academy.

Lewis started her teaching career nearly 20 years ago and has been with Southfield Public Schools for 16 years. "I fell into teaching on a whim," said Lewis. "I started off in corporate America working for Ford when a good friend of mine suggested teaching in a middle school. I was hooked from the first day."

"She's a very passionate teacher and really cares about students learning," said University High Schools Academy Dean Marcia Williams. "She works really hard to make the connection so [students] can understand the expectation that they will have when they go on to college."

Lewis will be formally acknowledged with a special certificate and video at the Board of Education meeting on February 13 at 7 p.m. at the John W. English Administrative Center.

Do you have a teacher you want to nominate? Submit your nomination below.

National Signing Day Celebration

Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology hosted a National Signing Day ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.

Twelve student-athletes committed to playing football at colleges and universities across Michigan and Ohio. This year, one Lady Warrior will commit to running track and cheering.

“National Signing Day is one of my favorite days ... because we honor our student-athletes and their families for years of sacrifice and commitment. Sending student-athletes to colleges and universities across the country has become an annual tradition in Southfield—one of which I am extremely proud,” said Anika McEvans, Southfield Public Schools athletic director.

2018 Southfield A&T Signees are:

Kerrian Coleman, Football - Olivet College

John Darby, Football - Northwood University

Matthew Gilbert, Football - Grand Valley State University

Blake Grice-Brunson, Football - Wayne State University

Eric McArn, Football - Central Michigan University

Justin Meeks, Football - Olivet College

Amaya Morrow, Track/Cheer - Aquinas College

Jeremy Pippen, Football - Olivet College

Kevin Smitherman - Undecided

Darrian Summerville, Football - Saginaw Valley State University

Ja’Vante Van Buren, Football - Holmes College

Keon Walker, Football - Sienna Heights University

David Wilson, Football - University of Mount Union

Namaste ...

Stevenson Elementary enjoyed a day of relaxation and fun as they delved into the Indian culture.

Last month, AP students worked on a project themed Cultural Immersion. The students had to create a research brochure on a specific culture, as well as bring in a handmade artifact. As the culminating activity, the students had an opportunity to participate in a 40-minute Vinyasa Yoga flow, alongside their principal and teacher sponsors, Alisha Byrd and Catherine Hamilton.

The day concluded with a traditional Indian meal, chicken tikka malasa, and naan bread.

View event photos here. Click on photos to enlarge.

Photo credit: The Kroger Company of Michigan

Kennedy Receives Kroger Donation

This week Kroger celebrated the grand opening for the newly-remodeled 12 Mile and Evergreen store. Each time Kroger hosts one of these events, they provide a donation to an organization in that city they would like to work with closely. Kennedy Learning Center was the recipient of a $1,000 gift.

Cars for Classrooms

Help MacArthur K-8 University Academy earn donations with Chrysler brand's "Cars 4 Classrooms." Through this initiative, PTAs and schools have the opportunity to set up test drive fundraising events featuring the Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans. The brand will donate $10 to the school for every participant* who takes a brief test drive. This event will take place Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. in the MacArthur K-8 parking lot.

*License drivers must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Join Us for Our Freshman Open House

Prospective students and families will have the opportunity to get a full view of Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology. Come and meet the administration team, and learn about the academic programs and curriculum.

Join the Southfield Compact

Have you joined the Southfield Compact? You can help strengthening K-12 education in Southfield Public Schools through volunteering and mentoring. Click the button below to learn more and sign up today!